1809-1882

English naturalist whose theory that species evolve through natural selection launched a revolution in the biological sciences as well as a storm of scientific and religious controversy. His 1859 book On the Origin of Species outlined his theory, and in 1871 The Descent of Man applied it to humanity, describing human evolution from ape-like ancestors. Darwin began his scientific career studying plants, animals, fossils, and geology on the famous five-year voyage of the British vessel HMS Beagle, which explored the coast of South America and the Galapagos Islands. See long biography on p. 159.